Photo: Zocha Group – St. Tropez: A Luxury Travel Guide

Every year, St. Tropez draws thousands of travelers looking to experience the picturesque beauty of southeastern France. It became known as a popular celebrity getaway ever since classic Hollywood stars began to frequent the small fishing town on the French Riviera. Since that mid-century discovery, the coastal village has blossomed into a destination offering the best of both worlds—charming, rustic character perfect for glamorous partying. This guide will cover everything you need to taste some of that golden age, including nightlife, chartering a yacht, and of course, the best hotels in St. Tropez.

Photo: Zocha Group

France is known for its historically breathtaking architecture and St. Tropez delivers with its classical yet luxurious hotels. In the Var region of the city, the 19th Century built Château de la Messardière paints the ideal picture of a magical French getaway, undoubtedly one of the best hotels in St. Tropez. In offering over 100 rooms, it’s the town’s largest hotel, spanning an impressive 25 acres. 

Guests get to take advantage of the spacious landscape through the many on-site amenities. The gourmet L’Acacia restaurant serves as a romantic, Mediterranean-style culinary experience, overlooking the beaches of Pampelonne. The Château bar Le Soleil d’Eau creates a sultry lounge environment for an intimate cocktail. Guests can also escape to the bar’s Terrace to take in the warm, summer breeze. For those seeking a bit of enlightenment, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the palace’s in-house art gallery. The collection showcases international artists’ exhibitions, highlighting works by Victoire de la Messardière, a descendant of the Messardière family.

The family-owned Mas Bellevue is a charming space of peace and relaxation, towering over the sea. Whether you’re relaxing from a balcony seat or in the sumptuous garden, the staff are always at the ready to improve your experience, with thoughtful recommendations and exceptionally friendly service. 

For savvy travelers looking for a more personalized experience, St. Tropez’ many luxury villas are bold architectural experiences that exude creativity and originality. Whether you’re staying in a quaint farmhouse or modern masterpiece, your halls will be filled with curated art, your living room furnished comfortably, and your verdant garden fitted with a shimmering private pool. Explore your options for a spacious and intimate travel experience.

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If there is one place that is truly emblematic of St. Tropez’ notorious daytime revelry, it’s the legendary dayclub Nikki Beach. Locals and summer visitors alike gather at all hours to party by the pool, enjoying themselves through the imposing inflatables in the shape of giant flamingos and swans. Famous DJs like Bob Sinclair and Martin Solveig spin tunes for a vibrant crowd, while the kitchen serves up everything from fresh sushi to locally-sourced vegan dishes.

Bagatelle has taken over what was once Voile Rouge Beach, and has brilliantly carried on the Pampelonne beach club’s legacy of merriment and joie de vivre. The kitchen provides a wonderful selection of Mediterranean cuisine to be washed down with local wines, and the festive atmosphere encourages guests to enjoy their day to the fullest.

Lastly, Loulou Ramatuelle is a bit of a rising star. By day, the club has an intimate 50’s Riviera atmosphere for light lunches and relaxation, but by night, the dining tables are traded for turntables and the rosé is replaced with champagne. The highly Instagrammable evening parties have made this club a smash hit in St. Tropez international party scene.

When in St. Tropez, a yacht charter is the secret to taking advantage of the city’s sparkling clear currents. Drawing sailors from around the world, ports bustle with vacationers and residents alike, ready to enjoy a smooth ride along the coast. Luxury yachts are available if you’re seeking the most sophisticated boating experience, whether it be for partying or working on your St. Tropez tan. Day cruise yacht charters are perfect for sightseeing and stopping off at all the trendiest locations down the shoreline. You can also aim for a holiday charter, allowing you to set sail for week-long excursions to places like Cannes or Iles de Lérins. No matter the itinerary, there’s a yacht fit for every traveler to truly take in the gentle breezes of the French Riviera.

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When they aren’t sailing along St. Tropez’ tides, guests of Le Club 55 indulge in decadent French cuisine at one of the most exclusive establishments in the city. Reservations for the beachside bistro are nearly impossible to acquire, leaving those on the outside to daydream of the delicacies within.

Le Club 55 has held its own as a celebrity hotspot ever since Brigitte Bardot graced its presence 50 years ago. It still remains at the top of A-list dining destinations thanks to popular dishes like the fresh vegetable platter, grilled langoustine tops, asparagus mousseline and fraises des bois dessert. Giving off the essence of a shorefront day party, it becomes easy to to celebrate the good life as groups often gather there to raise their glasses to another day in paradise.

La Vague d’Or offers a chance to eat at a 3 Michelin Star restaurant, an opportunity that should always be taken. For fans of French Cuisine and high gastronomy, the unbelievably talented chef Arnaud Donckele delivers on meticulously crafted French food and fabulous service that feels like dining amongst old friends. There is so much to enjoy, make sure to savor each moment with a tall glass of incredible wine. 

Photo: Zocha Group

There are a plethora of options to party late into the evening, and the best hotels in St. Tropez have some of the best bars as well. The Maison Blanche Champagne Bar has a timeless collection of champagnes, available by glass or by bottle, all of the finest quality. Tsar Folie’s St. Tropez is always brimming with an energetic young crowd, with options to party indoors and out. For those who enjoy the flavor of exclusivity, The VIP Room is particularly favored among celebrities. Securing a space can be difficult, but once inside guests are greeted to two floors of lights, dancing, and delicious cocktails. 

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The beautiful Vieux Port is where the old fishing village first sprung to life, and a must-visit to see an atmospheric harbor lined with fashionable boats and St. Tropez’ iconic pastel houses. The surrounding promenade is filled with quaint cafes and boutiques in the setting that inspired so many impressionist painters.

La Ponche is the old town of St. Tropez, complete with historic churches and picturesque cobblestone lanes. The Eglise de Notre-Dame de l’Assomption has a gorgeous Italian belltower, where visitors can admire the bust of Saint Tropez, the town’s patron saint. 

Be sure to check out the Chapelle Notre-Dame de l’Annonciade (Chapel of Annunciation), and the world-class art museum it houses, the Musée de l’Annonciade. With a remarkable assortment of Impressionist, Neo-Impressionist, and avant-garde paintings, the museum is a tremendous reminder of St. Tropez’s wonderful artistic heritage. 

Photo: Zocha Group

Photo: Zocha Group